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Anyone who has “read” a JSNA (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) will understand that sometimes it is speaking a different language. The JSNA looks at the current and future health and care needs of local populations, to inform and guide the planning and commissioning (buying) of health, well-being and social care services within a local authority area.

Hazel Bloor is Volunteering Development Officer for Step Forward Tees Valley in Middlesbrough, based at MVDA. She supports participants on the SFTV programme to access volunteer roles within the VCO sector in Middlesbrough, as well as running a new supported group volunteering programme called ‘Community Heroes’ in partnership with Changing Lives.

Healthwatch South Tees is the independent champion for people using local health and social care services. We listen to what people like about services and what could be improved and share their views with those with the power to make change happen.

We have a group of volunteers who actively support us to gather feedback, hold information stalls, support us with our work plan and promote Healthwatch.

Oriana has volunteered with us for 3 years and has given an overview of her experience during that time.

Today, we launched the start of our campaign to get people talking about Middlesbrough. We want to listen to the insights of people that live here to understand what’s important to them and engage them in shaping the future of our communities.

As a resident of Middlesbrough myself, I thought I’d get the ball rolling…